Mr. Tang Van Binh in his orchard. (Photo: VOV)

After completing his military service in 1988, Tang Van Binh returned to Phieng Luong commune. His family barely survived growing rice and corn. His soldier’s spirit drove Binh to find a way out of poverty. Binh obtained a bank loan at a preferential interest rate to plant trees.

“Thanks to my farming experience and the bank loan, I was able to plant orchards and tea. Now, my family is out of poverty. I share seedlings with the locals and help them borrow money to grow their own trees,” he said.

For 10 years, Binh’s 3 hectares have been covered with bamboo and tea trees. Next to those are pomelo and orange trees, which earn him a good income. Using new plant varieties and applying technology, Binh now harvests tons of pomelo, oranges, mandarin oranges, and tea, earning him around 21,000 USD a year.

As a successful businessman, Binh helps others escape poverty. His neighbor, Ly Trong Sinh, said, “Binh was the first in the village to plant trees, which generate good income. My family’s living conditions have improved significantly now thanks to Binh’s help with seedlings and loans”.

Binh has received certificates from the Vietnam Farmers’ Association for his excellent agricultural production.

His family is a role model in following the policies and guidelines of the Party and the State and living a cultural lifestyle.

Mr. Ban Van Quang, head of Suoi Khem village in Phieng Luong commune, said, “Binh’s family has been honored many times for their cultural lifestyle and excellent production. Binh has been in the vanguard of every movement in the locality. He has helped many people improve their lives”.